Apple wants the iPhone to run your entire house

Although the iPhone has already proven itself to be an extremely useful little device, Apple (AAPL) has some even bigger plans for its popular smartphone in mind: Basically, it wants the iPhone to be the central remote control for every key gadget and appliance in users’ homes. Patently Apple has found a new patent application filed by Apple showing the iPhone’s future NFC capabilities being used for a wide variety of functions, including “being able to control standalone cameras, projectors, in-home security systems, lawn sprinkler systems, your thermostat, garage door and more.” The application also shows a spiffed-up version of the Apple TV that “could one day control cable or satellite television programming and video game play via a video game controller.”